Michele Dean joined Suffolk Credit Union as president and chief executive officer in June of 2020. A visionary, strategic, entrepreneurial-minded executive and motivational leader, she has had a 30-year career in credit unions and bank/investment financial institutions.
Her leadership of Suffolk Credit Union has resulted in significant success and growth in a very short time. Dean spearheaded the expansion of the credit union's charter to include serving Nassau County residents, employers and businesses. Guided by her business acumen, Suffolk Credit Union achieved record growth in loans and deposits while expanding membership.
Known as a leader who listens, Dean implemented a hybrid work plan to ensure business continuity throughout the pandemic, and to continue to meet the needs of a modern and evolving workforce. Reflecting her unwavering commitment to enhancing the member experience, Suffolk Credit Union introduced a best-in-market loan product and certificate deposit rates. Dean is an advocate of the credit union's proud tradition of supporting non-profits as they aid people in need throughout Long Island communities.
Prior to joining Suffolk Credit Union, Dean worked for more than 20 years at a nationally ranked top 15 credit union as senior vice president in charge of lending and investments. She later joined another financial institution where she served as chief strategy officer, overseeing lending, operations and corporate strategy. At both organizations, she served as chair of the board for various affiliated subsidiary companies, which included multiple lending and insurance-related subsidiary companies. She holds a master's degree in Corporate Finance from Dowling College and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from SUNY Oswego.
Dean is currently on industry advisory boards for Experian and CMFG Ventures and previously served on advisory boards at Fannie Mae and Invest Financial, as well as a board member at the Long Island Housing Partnership. She is also a volunteer board member for St. Catherine's Hospital Foundation, Tesla Science Center and Suffolk County Crime Stoppers. Dean has been recognized by the Long Island Herald's Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards as a trailblazer, and has been honored by Long Island Business News as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business, a Who's Who - Women in Professional Services and a Rising Star under the age of 40.